Shame: The Great Silencer

I try to stay away from politics on my blog, but as someone once said ‘politics is personal.’ I am finding myself angry, frustrated, and deeply saddened at the lack of concern, understanding, and empathy for Dr. Ford, who has alleged being sexually assaulted by Judge Brett Kavanaugh.

I do not know if she is telling the truth or not, none of us do. My experience as a woman believes she would not subject herself to the continued threats, blaming, accusing, and dismissing she is receiving regarding her allegation. I also know, only too well, that shame keeps us from telling our stories. As women we know we will not be believed the majority of the time and choose not to subject ourselves to being blamed and harassed all over again.

The judiciary committee is so bent on confirming Judge Kavanaugh that they are willing to trample the rights of Dr. Ford. If they really want to find the truth they would ask for an FBI investigation. Why is it they haven’t? The hearing they are proposing is to sit the accused and the accuser next to each other and then begin a barrage of questions. This is not an investigation for the truth, it is a circus where they can preen in front of the cameras. Without a full investigation this scenario of “He says, she says” is untenable and will not get to the truth.

I hoped we had learned something from the Anita Hill hearing in 1991, and from the #MeToo movement. It appears that this all male panel is still locked in their beliefs that “boys will be boys.” What are we telling our young teenage girls and boys today as they listen to the attacks on Dr. Ford.

I hope all are paying close attention to this circus and plan to vote in the Nov. 6th primaries.